Researcher developing Indigenous-focused, peer-support model for patients with diabetes

Diabetes is a complex condition that is linked to cardiovascular disease. In fact, individuals with diabetes are two to four times more likely to die of heart disease. For Diabetes Awareness Month, we sat down with registered nurse and PhD student Sara Scott (supervisors Dr. David Campbell, MD, PhD, and Dr. Lindsay Crowshoe, MD) to discuss her research project focusing on developing an Indigenous-focused, peer-support model for patients with diabetes. 

Tell us about your research project.

My PhD project focuses on co-building a peer-support model for patients with diabetes alongside community and testing it within the community. Specifically, I am working with the urban Indigenous population. As a nurse, I also value the spiritual, emotional and mental side of health, which is something we don’t often think about as health-care providers. Peer support can make a difference in alleviating stress by providing time and space for people to talk through hurdles they are facing in their health with others who can relate. My project involves community-based participatory research, which means I am working with Indigenous People with lived experience of diabetes. In fact, we are building the model together. 

Why this demographic? 

In addition to my experience working with diabetes patients, originally from Yellowknife, NT, and I belong to the Yellowknives Dene First Nation. My family has also been impacted by colonization. This personal connection motivates me to find ways to make the health-care system work better for everyone, including Indigenous individuals and families. 

What motivated you to return to school? 

I have been a nurse for more than 20 years and cared for numerous patients at the end of their journey with diabetes. I saw how diabetes literally took away everything from patients, including their sense of autonomy. I thought there could be a better way to support these patients through shared decision-making. I started the masters in nursing program at University of Calgary in 2018 and became inspired through research to change how we do things in healthcare. My master’s degree research project explored priorities for Indigenous diabetes peer mentorship alongside four women using nominal group technique.  

Tell us about your decision to pursue a PhD. 

While completing my masters, Dr. Crowshoe hired me as a research assistant, which allowed me to learn more about the Educating for Equity (E4E) Framework designed to enhance patient experiences for Indigenous Peoples accessing healthcare for their diabetes. Through an internship opportunity with the Food Rx randomized controlled trial, I began working with Dr. Campbell and Dr Dana Olstad (RD, PhD).

Upon graduation I started working for Drs. Campbell, Olstad, and Crowshoe as a clinical research nurse and received important mentorship from them all. I was able to gain experience in research design, ethics, implementation and evaluation. Through my work experiences, a PhD path was made possible with supervisors I already worked with. I made the decision to pursue this work under the supervision of both Dr. Campbell and Dr. Crowshoe. They have been very supportive. 

What motivates you? 

I want to provide opportunities for people to connect with others who can relate and validate some of the events that have happened or may still be happening in their life. These events can take up so much cognitive power, leaving little room to address the day-to-day self-care required for chronic conditions, such as diabetes. Just think about the time and energy people would have to focus on taking care of themselves if they had the chance to talk through experiences that may be keeping them from their health goals.

The Person to Population Initiative at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute aims to aims to improve cardiovascular health by addressing health inequities. Learn more about this important initiative, and find out how you can contribute to its work, here.